CN118973914A - Bottle cap with flip top - Google Patents

Abstract

A bottle cap with a flip cover is provided, which allows easier access to the contents of a bottle compared to a conventional screw cap. The bottle cap can be made of plastic material, including PET, HDPE, LDPE or polypropylene. The bottle cap includes a hole through its top surface and a flip cover that conforms to the shape of the hole, which can be connected to the cover body by a flexible hinge. The periphery of the flip cover and the opening is provided with a plurality of ridges that interlock when the flip cover is pressed to form a mechanical seal. The area-to-perimeter ratio of the bottle cap opening can be less than about 3/16 inches to provide a seal that resists internal pressure from carbonated beverages. The bottle cap can be fixed to the bottle using threads, interlocking clamps or adhesives. A tamper-proof seal can also be provided on the bottle cap.

Description

Bottle cap with flip top

Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/267,698, filed on February 8, 2022, entitled “Bottle Cap with Flip Lid,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17/654,211, filed on March 9, 2022, entitled “Bottle Cap with Flip Lid,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

Bottle caps are very common and are used to seal the top of bottles that typically contain liquids. Unlike metal bottle caps (such as those used in beer bottles, etc.) that can be removed by prying, many bottle caps are made of plastic and are designed to be removable and replaceable so that the bottle can be resealed after some of the contents have been removed (e.g., by pouring or drinking).

One common type of bottle cap consists of a simple round body with a solid upper surface and internal threads that can be twisted off to access the contents and then twisted back on to reseal the bottle. Such bottle caps are commonly found on bottles containing beverages and other liquids (e.g., sauces or condiments). These "twist-off" caps provide a secure mechanical seal when closed and are suitable for containing pressurized contents, such as carbonated beverages (soda, soda water, etc.). However, the twisting motion required to twist off and on the cap each time the contents are accessed is very inconvenient.

Some bottle caps are permanently affixed to the top of the bottle, but include a flap that can be lifted to access the contents. The flap is usually attached to the body of the bottle cap by a flexible plastic band or the like, so that the flap can be opened or closed while remaining attached to the bottle cap. There is usually a small pull tab on the outer edge of the flap, or a notch in the body of the bottle cap below the flap, to facilitate lifting the flap away from the body of the bottle cap.

A common type of flip-top includes a flip-top that covers the entire upper surface of the bottle cap, including its upper periphery. Such a bottle cap generally includes a solid surface below the flip-top that surrounds the entire top opening of the bottle with a small hole through the surface. The diameter of the hole is generally about 1/4 inch. A small hook or protrusion is formed as part of the lower surface of the flip-top and is configured to block the small hole when the flip-top is closed and to open the small hole when the flip-top is lifted to allow access to the contents of the bottle. When closed by friction, the flip-top can remain fixed and an optional peripheral ridge can be provided so that the flip-top snaps shut and requires a little extra force to lift, thereby reducing the possibility of accidental opening and spillage. Such flip-tops are commonly used for household items, such as shampoo and lotion bottles. However, the small opening is not suitable for drinking or quickly pouring the contents. Such a bottle cap is optionally provided with threads that are screwed to the top of the bottle, but this also requires unscrewing the entire bottle cap to access the large bottle top opening and re-screwing the bottle cap to reseal the bottle.

Other types of flip-top lids include large flip-top lids that again form the entire upper surface of the bottle cap with a larger opening below it. Such bottle caps typically include ridges on the inner periphery of the flip-top that interact with additional ridges formed near the last week of the bottle cap body. Such ridges can provide a mechanical seal that prevents the flip-top from opening unless the flip-top is lifted from one edge with sufficient force to separate the connecting ridges. Such flip-tops can be used for milk bottles, etc. Although such flip-tops are useful for sealing the contents of the bottle, such flip-tops are poor in resisting internal pressures in the bottle, for example, pressure from carbonated beverages, because the large area of the flip-top is prone to produce a large upward force on the flip-top when the contents are under pressure. This force is equivalent to the lifting force required to manually lift the flip-top, and it is easy to accidentally pop the top cover open.

Other types of flip-top lids include a top cover in which the flip-top only forms a portion of the upper surface of the bottle cap, and the edge of the flip-top lid forms a seam on the upper surface of the bottle cap. Such flip-tops may be provided with notches or grooves that couple with corresponding notches or grooves on or just below the surface of the adjacent bottle cap so that the flip-top is locked in place when fully pressed and can be opened by lifting the edge of the flip-top with sufficient force. Such bottle caps are commonly used for bottles containing pills or tablets and provide a large opening for better access to the contents. Similarly, such bottle caps are not used for contents that are subject to pressure because the large area of the flip-top will generate greater forces on the flip-top exposed to the internal pressure of the contents, resulting in the flip-top being undesirably accidentally opened.

Therefore, there may be a need for an improved bottle cap having a convenient flip top that can reliably contain pressurized contents without accidentally opening due to internal forces on the flip top.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a bottle cap with a flip cover that can be used to seal the contents of a bottle and provide easier access to the contents of the bottle than a conventional screw cap. An exemplary bottle cap includes: an opening disposed through an upper surface of the bottle cap, the opening spanning only a portion of the upper surface of the bottle cap; and a flip cover configured to fit precisely or conformally within the opening when closed and to generate a reliable mechanical seal. The flip cover can be connected to a surface or body of the bottle cap by a flexible hinge, and when the flip cover is closed, the flip cover can be flush with the top of the bottle cap.

The inner periphery of the opening and the outer periphery of the flip cover may be provided with a plurality of ridges which interlock when the flip cover is pressed against the bottle cap to close. Such interlocking ridges may provide a reliable mechanical seal to prevent the contents of the bottle from leaking or the flip cover from accidentally opening. The edge of the flip cover may be provided with a pull ring to facilitate lifting the flip cover to expose the opening in the bottle cap, wherein the pull ring may protrude slightly beyond the edge of the bottle cap. Alternatively or additionally, a recess in the upper surface or edge of the bottle cap may be provided below the pull ring to further facilitate lifting the pull ring and the attached flip cover.

The bottle cap can be made of any type of plastics commonly used to make traditional bottle caps, for example, PEI (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). In further embodiments, other types of plastics and/or other materials can be used to form the bottle cap or its parts. The entire bottle cap can be made of a single type of material, or different parts or parts of the bottle cap can be made of different materials.

The bottle caps can be provided in any of a variety of sizes, including the size of bottle caps commonly used for plastic beverage bottles having a diameter of about 1-1/8 inches. Other sizes of bottle caps can be provided, including larger sizes, based on the size of the opening of the bottle for which the bottle cap will be used. The opening at the top of the bottle cap (and the corresponding shape of the flip cap) can have a generally circular, teardrop-shaped, elliptical or oval shape, etc.

For bottle caps made of conventional plastic materials, the area-to-perimeter ratio of the opening may preferably be less than about 3/16 inch, or alternatively less than about 5/16 inch. Such a small area-to-perimeter ratio can provide sufficient interlocking force between the edge of the opening and the edge of the flip-top to create a reliable seal with the flip-top when closed. For example, such a ratio is sufficient to reliably seal the flip-top even if the contents of the bottle are under pressure (e.g., carbonated beverages).

The bottle cap can be provided with various configurations for securing it to the bottle, including: threads for a screw-on application (optionally providing the bottle cap with a permanent collar to prevent unscrewing removal after installation, or being removable like a conventional twist-off bottle cap); a locking clamp around the lower periphery of the bottle cap configured to slide over and hook onto a ridge on the neck of the bottle when the bottle cap is pressed onto the bottle top, preventing its subsequent removal; or a connecting surface around the lower inner periphery of the bottle cap body to facilitate adhering the bottle cap to the bottle top using, for example, adhesive, cement, plastic welding, heat bonding, etc.

The bottle cap according to the present invention may have an opening that tapers below the top surface of the bottle cap to provide better flow of the contents of the bottle when pouring from the bottle with the flip-top lifted.

Bottle cap according to the present invention may also include tamper-proof seals or mechanisms, for example, when the flip-top is in a closed position, the flip-top is detachably fixed to an adjacent position on the bottle cap surface. Local heat melting, plastic welding, adhesives, etc. can be used to form such a connection point so that when the flip-top is lifted for the first time, such a connection point will be easily broken, thereby providing visual and tactile feedback to confirm that the flip-top has not been opened before. A sealing film can also be provided, which can be broken when the flip-top on the bottle cap is opened for the first time. Such tamper-proof sealing film can be made using films such as foil, plastics, etc. Before the flip-top bottle cap is installed, a sealing film can be provided above the top opening of the bottle and adhered to the upper edge. When the flip-top is opened for the first time, such a film can be seen and easily punctured. Alternatively, such a sealing film can be adhered to the lower portion of the bottle cap opening itself, covering the opening at the top of the bottle cap from below, and can be punctured in a similar manner. The sealing film can be adhered to the lower edge of the opening and the bottom of the flip-top. This configuration allows the sealing film to automatically break when the flip-top is lifted for the first time, tearing the sealing film from the bottom edge of the opening. This sealing film may cover the entire bottle cap opening below the flip cover, or may be provided as a thin strip that seals only the gap between the lower edge of the flip cover and the lower edge of the opening at the top of the bottle cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show illustrative examples, results and/or features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bottle cap with a flip cover according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG1B is a front view of the bottle cap shown in FIG1A , wherein the flip cover has been lifted;

FIG1C is a side view of the bottle cap shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B ;

FIG2 is a side view of a bottle cap with a flip-top, wherein the bottle cap is provided with threads for connecting to a bottle;

FIG3 is a side view of a bottle cap with a flip-top, the bottle cap being provided with a connection surface configured to be adhered to a bottle neck;

FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of a bottle cap with a flip-top having an interlocking clamping device for connecting to a bottle;

FIG5A is a cross-sectional view of a bottle cap with a flip-top, wherein the bottle cap is provided with a tapered opening; and

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the bottle cap shown in FIG. 5A .

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same or functionally similar elements. Other features and advantages of the present invention and the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. To the extent that the present invention does refer to the accompanying drawings, this is done in conjunction with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments may be changed and modified without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a bottle cap with a flip cover, which can reliably seal the contents in the bottle, including the contents under pressure, such as carbonated beverages, and provides a more convenient way to access the contents than a traditional screw cap. Figures 1A to 1C show a bottle cap 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, respectively showing a perspective view, a front view and a side view of the bottle cap 100 with a flip cover 130 opened.

The bottle cap 100 includes a cover body 110, which is configured to surround and couple to the neck opening area of the bottle. The bottle cap 100 also includes a flip cover 130, which can be connected to the cover body 110 by a flexible hinge 135. The hinge 135 can be made of the same material as the bottle cap 100 and the flip cover 130. The entire cap 100 can be formed of a single material, for example, by an injection molding process, etc. Alternatively, the hinge can be made of a different material from the bottle cap and/or the flip cover.

Bottle cap 100 includes an upper surface 120 of a cover body, and the cover body includes an opening 160 therethrough, which facilitates access to the contents of the bottle when the flip cover 130 is lifted or opened. The flip cover 130 is shaped and configured to completely cover the opening 160 when closed, thereby forming a seal on the bottle cap 100 to prevent the contents of the bottle from leaking out. The opening 160 extends only on a portion of the upper surface 120 of the bottle cap 100. The flip cover 130 can be configured so that its upper surface is flush with the upper surface 120 of the bottle cap 100 when the flip cover 130 is in the closed position.

The pull ring 140 can be disposed on a portion of the flip cover 130 and is located on a side of the flip cover 130 opposite to the flexible hinge 135. A recess 150 can be disposed in the upper surface 120 of the bottle cap 100, adjacent to the opening 160. When the flip cover 130 is in a closed or sealed position, such a recess 150 can be located below or near the pull ring 140. The recess 150 can facilitate access to the pull ring 140, for example, making it easier to lift the flip cover 130 by the pull ring 140 to access the contents of the bottle. The pull ring 140 can protrude slightly from the edge of the upper surface 120, thereby also facilitating the lifting of the flip cover 130 by the pull ring 140.

The lower surface of flip cover 130 includes seal 175, and when flip cover 130 is closed, the shape of this seal is suitable for accurately fitting in opening 160. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, seal 175 can be formed as a continuous wall protruding from the bottom of flip cover 130. This exemplary configuration can provide the sealing performance of flip cover 130 that meets the requirements without requiring a large amount of material to form bottle cap 100. In a further embodiment (not shown), seal 175 can be set as a solid protrusion extending from the bottom of flip cover 130, so that the center of flip cover 130 is thicker than the periphery outside seal 175. This can provide more structural stability for sealing opening 160, but requires additional material (e.g., plastic) to form flip cover 130.

The outer periphery of seal 175 may be provided with one or more continuous ridges 170. Corresponding continuous ridges 180 may be provided along the inner wall of opening 160. Ridges 170 may be clearly seen in the side view of Fig. 1C. Ridges 170, 180 may be configured to interlock and provide a secure mechanical seal when flip cover 130 is pressed downwardly on the upper surface 120 of bottle cap 100. As shown in Fig. 1C, the outer edges of ridges 170, 180 may be slightly rounded or inclined so that when flip cover 130 is opened and closed, the outer edges interlock and separate.

The number of ridges 170, 180 may vary. For example, in FIGS. 1A to 1C , two ridges 170 are provided on the seal 175 and two ridges 180 are provided around the opening 160. Alternatively, the seal 175 or the opening 160 may be provided with a single ridge 170, 180. However, providing at least two ridges 170, 180 on each of the seal 175 and the opening 160 may provide a stronger seal of the opening 160 when the flip-top 130 is pressed down in the closed position. Either the seal 175 and/or the opening 160 may be provided with three or more such ridges 170, 180 to provide a stronger seal that is even more resistant to accidental opening of the flip-top 130 due to the internal pressure of the contents of the bottle. The number of ridges 170, 180 provided on a particular bottle cap 100 can be selected based on several factors, including, for example, the desired pressure to be contained, the ease of opening the flip cap 130 (more ridges 170, 180 may require more force to lift the flip cap 130 from the closed position), the material used to form the bottle cap 100 (harder plastics may require fewer ridges 170, 180 to securely close the flip cap 130), the cost required to provide more ridges, etc. The seal 175 can be provided as a continuous wall that is configured to fit the opening 160, or the seal can be provided as a solid protrusion that can provide additional mechanical stability and a stronger seal of the opening 160 when the flip cap 130 is closed.

Bottle cap 100 can be made of plastics used to make traditional bottle caps, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HOPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). Such materials are commonly used to form plastic bottles and bottle caps. Other types of plastics and/or other materials can be used to form bottle cap 100 or parts thereof.

The bottle cap 100 can be provided in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of the bottle mouth and bottleneck in which the bottle cap 100 will be used. For example, the most common size bottle cap used for many beverages is about 1-1/8 inches in diameter, and the height of the cap 110 is about 1/2 inch. Bottle caps of this size are commonly used for various beverage bottle sizes, including 12 ounces, 16 ounces, half liters, liters, quarts, 2 liters, and 3 liters. Different sizes can be used to fit different sized bottle mouths.

As shown in Figure 1A to Figure 1C, opening 160 (and corresponding seal 175) can be arranged in teardrop shape.When lifting flip cap 130, this shape helps to easily pour out contents from bottle or directly drink from bottle.Or, opening 160 and seal 175 can be arranged in circle.For the given configuration of ridge 170,180 and selected bottle cap material, this circle can provide similar contact to the contents of bottle, but will have the slightly larger area perimeter ratio of opening 160, therefore compared with teardrop shape, may be slightly worse in resisting the internal pressure of the contents of bottle.Opening 160 and corresponding seal 175 can be arranged in ellipse or oval, this can increase the ability of flip cap 130 to keep closed under higher internal bottle pressure, but can also reduce the pouring speed of liquid through narrower opening 160.

The size of flip-top 130 and opening 160 is suitable for only covering a part of the upper surface 120 of bottle cap 100. For traditional beverage lid, the length of opening 160 and flip-top 130 can be about 1/2 inch to about 3/4 inch long. This relatively small size of opening 160 and flip-top 130 may be important for the bottle cap 100 that is used to hold the content (for example, carbonated beverage) that is subjected to pressure in the bottle. For example, for a given internal bottle pressure, the upward force on the flip-top 130 that closes is roughly proportional to the area of opening 160, and for a given number and the ridge 170,180 of geometric shape, the closing or holding force of flip-top 130 is roughly proportional to the total length of ridge 170,180 (for example, proportional to the girth of opening 160). The specific bottle cap embodiment shown in Figure 1A to Figure 1C has been shown to effectively provide reliable sealing, prevents the content that is subjected to pressure represented by carbonated beverage.

For example, the area-perimeter ratio of the circular opening 160 is equal to R/2, where R is the radius of the circular opening. (The area of the circular opening is πR ² , the perimeter is 2πR, and the ratio is R/2.) Because the ratio is roughly proportional to the ratio of the pressure on the flip cover 130 to the holding force or locking force on the flip cover 130, the smaller value of the ratio is preferred for providing a safe seal of the contents under pressure by the bottle cap 100. Therefore, the size of the exemplary bottle cap 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is suitable for most common beverage bottles, and the area-perimeter ratio of its opening 160 is less than about 3/16 inch. Therefore, for the bottle cap 100 made of traditional plastic materials, the area-perimeter ratio of the opening 160 is preferably less than about 3/16 inch. Relative to the closing force provided by the ridges 170, 180 around the periphery of the seal 175 and the opening 160, respectively, a larger ratio will result in a larger pressure on the flip cover 130. In addition, a non-circular opening (e.g., the exemplary teardrop-shaped opening 160 shown in FIG. 1A ) will have a smaller area-to-perimeter ratio than a circular opening of the same area. Thus, such a non-circular opening 160 can provide a smaller area-to-perimeter ratio for an opening of a particular area than a circular opening of the same area.

Bottle cap 100 can be larger, to accommodate larger bottle opening, but the area-perimeter ratio of opening 160 should preferably keep less than about 3/16 inch value, to ensure that flip-top 130 can reliably resist internal pressure, to prevent accidental opening.In such embodiment, compared with the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, flip-top 130 will cover the smaller relative part of bottle cap top 120.In further embodiment, larger bottle cap 100 can be provided with slightly larger opening 160, for example, opening 160 has about 1/4 inch or even up to about 5/16 inch area-perimeter ratio.For this larger opening 160, for example, by providing solid or thick-walled seal 175 and/or providing extra ridges 170,180 around the periphery and opening 160 of seal 175 respectively, the reliability of flip-top closure can be increased.

Bottle caps according to the present invention may have various configurations for fixing them to bottles. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , bottle caps 200 may be provided with internal threads 210. Such threads 210 may be provided on the inner surface of cap body 110. Such configurations allow bottle caps 200 to be easily screwed onto threaded bottle tops that conform to the shape, and are commonly used in plastic beverage containers.

Bottle cap 200 may include a frangible seal (not shown) around the bottom perimeter of the bottle cap that is located below the ridge on the neck of the bottle when bottle cap 200 is fully screwed onto the top of the threaded bottle. This type of seal is commonly used in plastic soda bottles and provides a secure seal that, if not broken, indicates that bottle cap 200 has never been removed. This exemplary configuration allows bottle cap 200 to be screwed on and off like a conventional screw cap, but also allows easier access to the contents of the bottle by simply opening flip cap 130.

The bottle cap 200 may be provided with an unbreakable ridge seal (not shown) around the bottom periphery of the bottle cap, which may also be located below the ridge on the bottle neck when the bottle cap 200 is fully tightened onto the top of the threaded bottle. The unbreakable seal permanently fixes the bottle cap 200 to the bottle so that it cannot be unscrewed once installed. Therefore, the bottle cap 200 cannot be unscrewed, and the contents of the bottle can only be accessed by opening the flip cover 130.

Fig. 3 shows a bottle cap 300 similar to the bottle cap shown in Fig. 1A to Fig. 1C, wherein the bottle cap 300 is provided with a locking clamp 310 around the lower periphery. The clamp 310 can be configured to slide over and interlock with the corresponding circumferential ridge 320 provided on the neck of the bottle 330. For example, the clamp 310 and the ridge 320 can be provided with an angled and flat profile so that when the bottle cap 300 is pressed on the top of the bottle 330, the clamp 310 slides over the ridge 320. As shown in Fig. 3, when the bottle cap 300 is fully pressed on the top of the bottle 330, the upper edge of the clip 310 can be configured to lock on the lower side of the ridge 320. This helps to easily place the bottle cap 300 on the bottle 330, after which the bottle cap 300 cannot be easily removed from the bottle 330, and the contents of the bottle are only contacted through the opening 160, which can be exposed by lifting the flip cover 130.

Fig. 4 shows a bottle cap 400 similar to the bottle cap shown in Fig. 1A to Fig. 1C, wherein the bottle cap 400 is provided with a connection surface 410 around the lower inner periphery of the bottle cap body 110. The size and shape of this connection surface 410 are suitable for being permanently fixed to the upper neck of the bottle. For example, any one of various known techniques can be used to fix the bottle cap 400 to the bottle top, and these techniques include but are not limited to adhesive, glue, plastic welding, thermal bonding, etc. The connection surface 410 can be configured to meet a part of a specific bottleneck shape to improve the adhesion of the bottle cap 400 to the bottle. This helps to permanently connect the bottle cap 400 to the bottle, thereby only contacting the contents of the bottle through the opening 160, and the opening can be exposed by lifting the flip cover 130.

5A and 5B show a bottle cap 500 similar to the bottle cap shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, wherein the bottle cap 500 is provided with an opening 560, which is tapered below the top surface 120 of the bottle cap 500 and is defined by a wall 570. This tapered opening 560 can make the contents of the bottle flow better when pouring out of the bottle when the flip cap 130 is lifted. As described herein, the exemplary bottle cap 500 can be configured to be fixed to the bottle. For example, the bottle cap 500 with a tapered opening 560 can be provided with an internal thread 210, as shown in FIG. 2, for screwing on the connection; a locking clamping device 310 as shown in FIG. 3 can be provided, which is configured to interlock with a corresponding circumferential ridge 320 provided on the neck of the bottle 330; or a connection surface 410 similar to the connection surface shown in FIG. 4 can be provided, and the size and shape of the connection surface are suitable for being adhered to the upper neck of the bottle using any technology described herein.

As shown in Fig. 5B, compared with the exemplary bottle cap 100 shown in Fig. 1A to Fig. 1C, bottle cap 500 can be produced to be suitable for larger bottle opening.For example, the diameter of bottle cap 500 can be between about 1.5 inches and 3 inches.This larger bottle cap can be configured to be connected to container in any of the various modes described herein.These larger bottle caps can have similar opening, flip-top and various other features described herein.Compared with the size of the upper surface 120 of bottle cap 500, the size of opening 560 (and corresponding flip-top 130) is relatively small, so that the area-perimeter ratio of opening 560 can remain on about 5/16 inch or below, or about 1/4 inch or below.As described herein, this upper limit of the area-perimeter ratio of opening 560 can provide the safety seal of opening 560 by flip-top 130, and even when content may be under pressure, as the common situation of carbonated beverage, this effective seal of the content of bottle can also be provided.

Any bottle cap of the present invention may be provided with a tamper-proof seal or mechanism. For example, when the flip cover 130 is in a closed or sealed position, the pull ring 140 and/or certain points along the periphery of the flip cover 130 may be removably fixed to adjacent locations on the cover surface 120 and/or the notch area 150 around the opening 160. Local heat melting, plastic welding, adhesives, etc. may be used to form such connection points. The connection points may be formed so that when the flip cover 130 is lifted for the first time, these connection points will easily break, thereby providing visual and tactile feedback to confirm that the flip cover 130 has not been opened before.

Any of the bottle caps 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may be provided with a sealing membrane that can be broken when such a bottle cap is opened for the first time and provide visual evidence that the original bottle remained sealed before the first such opening. Such tamper-evident sealing membranes are common in the bottling industry and may be made using films such as foil, plastic, etc. that can be pierced or torn without requiring excessive force.

For example, before the flip-top bottle cap is installed, a sealing film can be provided above the top opening of the bottle, adhered to the upper edge. When the flip-top 130 is first opened, the sealing film is visible below the opening 160, 560 and can be easily pierced with a fingertip or other tool. Alternatively, such a sealing film can be adhered to the lower portion of the opening 160, 560, rather than to the bottle top itself, and can be pierced in a similar manner.

A sealing film may be provided that extends through the opening 160, 560 and adheres to the lower edge of the opening 160, 560 and the seal 175. When the flip cover 130 is lifted for the first time, the sealing film may be broken, tearing the sealing film from the bottom edge of the opening 160, 560. In this way, the user may receive visual and tactile feedback that the contents of the bottle are safely sealed before the flip cover is used for the first time. Alternatively, such a sealing film may be disposed only between the opening 160, 560 and the lower edge of the seal 175, so that the sealing film has the shape of an open ring that does not span the entire width of the opening 160, 560. Such a sealing film may also tear and provide tactile feedback when the flip cover 130 is lifted for the first time.

The connection point between the flip cover 130 and the bottle cap surface 120 around the opening 160, 560 can be provided with any sealing film configuration described herein. Any other tamper-evident packaging components and techniques known in the art can also be used with any bottle cap described herein.

Bottle caps can be provided, whose cap shape is not circular, but consistent with the non-circular opening of bottle or container.This bottle cap can be configured to be fixed to bottle or container with clamping device, as shown in Figure 3.Perhaps, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, non-circular bottle caps can be configured to adhere to the opening of bottle or container.These non-circular bottle caps can comprise similar opening, flip cover and various other features as described herein.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the enclosed paragraphs, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the exemplary embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. The fact that certain features are described in different paragraphs and/or shown in different drawings does not mean that any combination of these features cannot be used advantageously. In view of the teachings herein, various modifications and changes to the described exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to devise a variety of techniques that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention and are therefore within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

1. A bottle cap comprising:

a cap configured to be secured to a top of a bottle; and

A flip coupled to an upper surface of the cover with a flexible hinge;

wherein the cover is provided with an opening through a portion of the upper surface of the cover;

Wherein the flip cover includes a protruding seal on a bottom surface thereof, the seal configured to fit within the opening; and

Wherein each of the perimeter of the protruding seal and the perimeter of the opening is provided with a plurality of ridges such that when the flip cap is pressed down on the opening, the flip cap forms a mechanical seal with the top of the bottle cap.

2. The bottle cap of claim 1, further comprising a pull ring disposed on a perimeter of the flip distal from the flexible hinge to facilitate lifting of the flip.

3. The closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure is configured to be secured to the top of a bottle using at least one of a screw thread, a mechanical clamping means or an adhesive.

4. The closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure is formed from a plastics material comprising at least one of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

5. The closure as in claim 1 wherein the opening has an area to perimeter ratio of less than about 3/16 inch.

6. The closure as in claim 1 wherein the opening has an area to perimeter ratio of less than about 1/4 inch.

7. The closure as in claim 1 wherein the opening has an area to perimeter ratio of less than about 5/16 inch.

8. The bottle cap of claim 1, wherein the opening has a teardrop shape.

9. The bottle cap of claim 1, wherein the opening has a circular shape.

10. The closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening has at least one of an elliptical or oval shape.

11. The closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flip top cap is flush with the top surface of the closure when in the closed position.

12. The bottle cap of claim 1, wherein the flip cap is connected to a portion of the perimeter of the opening by at least one connection point, wherein the at least one connection point is configured to separate when the flip cap is lifted for the first time.

13. The bottle cap of claim 1, further comprising a sealing film adhered to the protruding seal on the bottom surface of the flip cap and the perimeter of the opening, wherein the sealing film is configured to tear when the flip cap is lifted for the first time.

14. The bottle cap of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises a tapered wall extending below the upper surface of the cap body.